Earthmoving Industry Insight, Reviews

Review: Caterpillar 815K compactor

When your project site requires a little compaction action, the new Caterpillar 815K has got you covered.

As the old saying goes, ‘Good things come in small packages’ and the new Caterpillar 815K compactor is no exception.

Powered with the responsive fuel efficient CAT 7.1 engine with ACERT technology (the fuel system allows for multiple injections each combustion cycle), we were fortunate enough to check out this new nugget of steel on its maiden voyage to a project site with its proud new owner, civil contractor Digwright.

The eye-catching curves of the new 815K compactor stood out, as do most new machines when they are delivered to a site for the first time. However, this was different.

The improvements to its predecessor can been seen almost immediately with its high frame style and enlarged cab. The machine’s wheels are fitted with the Caterpillar industry standard chevron-style tamping pads or tips that are designed to compact cohesive and non-cohesive soils.


The Caterpillar 815K compactor

This design also provides greater ground pressure, more compaction and a smooth ride for the operator. We can say from experience that the Caterpillar pads are far superior in various ground conditions than other castings or cheaper replacement pads on the market.

To assist in maintaining consistent traction, Caterpillar has offered two types of scraper bar or cleaner bar options – standard and abrasive – both of which are adjustable. The abrasive scraper bar option is ideal in rock or sandy conditions, but both options are cast and hardened to extend the life of the scraper bars.

The 815K is fitted with a straight blade that comes standard with a two-way tilt system, to knock over any high patches and spreading of the fill material. There is also the option of a four-way tilt system, allowing the operator more functionality with the blade and less support equipment on site, such as a tracked dozer during the compaction portion of the job.

Continuing with the walkaround inspection, the new swing-out rear grill feature allows ease of access to the AC condenser and cooling group, making it ideal for maintenance when clean out is required. All machine greasing points are basically centralised and located in the articulation area of the machine, located at ground level for safe maintenance and daily greasing access.

Ground level emergency shutdown, battery disconnect and jump start are other safety benefits to mention. The hydraulic oil cooler, fuel cooler and condenser are also grouped together and designed for ease of service and inspection.


All information you need is in easy reach

IN THE CAB

Making our way up the machine and opening the door, we were immediately surprised by the space and comfort of the newly-designed cab. It feels more like an 825 compactor rather than an 815 – this has got to be the best designed cab in the industry.

Other customer-inspired features include the fold-up steering and transmission integrated control or stick control with integrated arm rest for improved ingress and egress. Replacing the steering wheel, the joystick-style steer control not only makes it more comfortable for the operator but also increases visibility at the front of the machine. Steering is controlled with side-to-side movements and transmission is controlled with a trigger near the top of the joystick.

The new Cat seat, which is actively cooled and heated, is super comfortable and a cab-pressurisation system uses filtered air to keep the cab environment clean. The operating vibration is reduced with isolation cab mounts and air seat suspension, designed for operator comfort without limiting the machine’s performance in the hard stuff.

The throttle lock feature is another standout on this machine, located on the right hand joystick. The operator can lock the engine speed and then control the ground speed with the decelerator or transmission neutraliser pedal, improving productivity and fuel efficiency.

All the standard controls are at arm’s reach, located on the right-hand side cab pillar, which include air con, temp and fan, rear and front windscreen wipers and lights, including a flashing beacon.


The new swing-out rear grill feature allows ease of access to the AC condenser and cooling group

CAT COMPACTION

The Cat Compaction Control system uses machine drive power (MDP) technology to measure rolling resistance and in turn correlate resistance with soil stiffness. The compaction control feature is a 3D system providing the operator real time information when soil compaction is achieved in turn reducing fuel costs and unnecessary passes.

The compaction control system can be upgraded with Cat Compact technologies/ GPS mapping system, allowing the operator to see what areas on the project site have met compaction requirements and can visually display the cut/fill design of the project in real time.

With improved owning and operating costs, improved cab comfort, solid robust design and the introduction of Cat Compact from the factory, Caterpillar once again has delivered the new standard in compaction.


The 815K is fitted with a straight blade that comes standard with a two-way tilt system
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